Technical Visit and Workshop on Aquifer Recharge and Blue Credits Held in Bologna
21/05/2026
On 13 and 14 May 2026, project partners and stakeholders gathered in Bologna for the technical visit and workshop “Aquifer Recharge and Blue Credits: the innovation of the BLUERECHARGE project”, organised within the framework of the Interreg Italy–Croatia programme. The two-day event combined project coordination activities, field visits, and expert discussions focused on sustainable groundwater management and innovative climate adaptation solutions.
The first day of the meeting, held at the CER Headquarters in Bologna, was dedicated to project coordination activities and partner discussions. Participants reviewed project progress, key milestones, financial and administrative updates, and ongoing work package activities, followed by an open discussion on future implementation steps and cooperation activities.
The second day focused on practical examples and technical exchange. Participants visited the Italian pilot site and explored the aquifer recharge model implemented in the Emilia-Romagna case study, with particular attention given to the replicability potential of the system in other territories. The technical visit also included the Codigoro pumping station, where experts presented territorial protection measures and aquifer recharge practices aimed at reducing saline intrusion risks.
The workshop held at Acqua Campus – Research Area gathered representatives from institutions, research organisations, water management experts, and private sector stakeholders. Discussions addressed water scarcity, climate change impacts, aquifer protection, Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) systems, and the operational application of the Blue Credits concept.
Among the speakers were representatives of the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Po River Basin District Authority, the City of Vodnjan, ARTER, CER, the University of Rijeka, IWS, and EMEA. Presentations highlighted the importance of integrated water management approaches, nature-based solutions, certification systems, and cooperation between public institutions, academia, and the private sector in strengthening climate resilience.
Special attention during the workshop was dedicated to the Blue Credits system and the innovative aquifer recharge mechanism tested within the Italian pilot area. Experts presented experiences from both Italy and Croatia, emphasizing the importance of scientific monitoring, water quality protection, and sustainable operational models that can support long-term groundwater resilience.
The event concluded with a round table discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities related to water compensation mechanisms, sustainable development, and the future replicability of Blue Stewardship models across different European regions
👉All presentations delivered during the workshop are available for download via the links located on the right side of the page.
